From butterfly wings to sectoral clusters: unveiling the anatomy and the dynamic of the Moroccan production network
摘要
This study offers a structural diagnosis of the Moroccan production network through the lens of network theory, with the aim of assessing its implications for economic growth, resilience, and productive integration. Drawing on official Moroccan input-output tables and OECD data from 66 countries, we benchmark Morocco’s network features against international patterns. The analysis reveals a “butterfly” configuration, where upstream and downstream sectors are connected through a narrow core composed mainly of trade, transport, and utility services. This structure reflects an accelerated tertiarization of the economy but also exposes its fragility. Compared to peer economies, the Moroccan production network is markedly less dense and less connected. These structural gaps are associated with weaker economic dynamism, greater dependence on imported inputs, and limited opportunities for intersectoral learning. However, lower density may also cushion the transmission of large-scale shocks, contributing to reduced macroeconomic volatility. These findings underscore the importance of fostering domestic input production and strengthening inter-industry linkages to reduce external dependency and enhance economic integration. The study also highlights the need for more granular and timely input-output data to support ongoing structural monitoring. While centered on the Moroccan case, the study yields insights pertinent to understanding the structural challenges of other developing economies and to evidence-based policy design.